Silver is very important in this version of Victorian England, where the metal serves as a conductor of magic that strengthens the foundations of buildings, speeds vehicles, lightens loads, and does all manner of other things that are crucial to the progress of a growing empire. However, the silver is nothing without the paired words of foreign languages that are etched into the bars and activated by linguists who fluently speak both languages. It's because of this that orphaned Robin Swift is taken from his Chinese homeland and brought to England to be raised in a manor, with tutors in Greek and Latin. He's destined for Babel, the silver-and-language-based college of Oxford, and home to the most esteemed silver workers in the empire. However, after he gets to Oxford, he begins to learn more about the ways in which he and his companions (and their abilities) are being used to further the British empire's colonizing ways.
This is by no means a cheerful book, but it's an astounding and thoughtful look at colonialism, racism (both pointed and systemic), misogyny, privilege, and identity. Bonus points for the linguistic lessons scattered throughout, which made this feel academic in a good way. It isn't a quick read, but it's well worth your time.
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